Matt Barker

Playing the part of Bruce Foxton

At what age did you start playing bass? 

I started playing bass aged about 12 and used to play around on my older brothers bass when he went out. I felt inspired by my dream of becoming the bassist forT-Rex!

Musical influences

The Jam, (obvs), The Stranglers, The Clash…… I loved the aggression and anger of that 77 period.  Seeing them live was just a fantastic experience if not a bit scary for a young lad!

What attracted you to The Jam?

When I saw them on Top of the Pops in 1977, it was All Around The World, the smart dress, the aggression and the Rickenbacker guitars. It was such a change from Showaddywaddy and The Rubettes!

What other bands have you been in? 

Forks Like Spoons, The Standards, The Shifters, King George the 5th, The Friar Tucks, Port Dinowic Wobblies, don’t worry you won’t have heard of most of them!

Where did you grow up / live? 

Horsham Sussex, then Bristol for my more formative years, where I used to play gigs in Bristol with my mates. I then moved to Balham London, again playing gigs with my mates!  Now settled in Ashby for the time being (still playing gigs with my mates!!)

What’s your greatest Jam memory? 

I guess meeting the guys after a gig where they came out and chatted. I once got an old pound note signed by them. I’m not sure which venue, but I’ve a feeling it was one of the Hammersmith gigs.  After that it was one of the final gigs at Wembley, which had a sad mood to it. However, every Jam gig I went to left me with fantastic memories.

How did you end up in band Called Malice?

Warren and I were members at the same gym and we chatted about music (instead of training). He told me about a Jam tribute he was in called Maximum Jam, and I stood in for their bassist a couple of times. Warren then went on to join Malice and when their bass player left, he asked me to step up. My audition was a live gig, as there was no prior vids of me so they took a bit of a risk. However, I think it worked out OK!

Did u know any of your band mates before joining? 

Yep Wozzer!

Do u have any memorable / funny stories from your time in A Band Called Malice

Playing the 100 club in London, as I knew it was the same stage the Jam played on all those years ago.  We tend to laugh most of the time!

What’s your most memorable musical achievement / highlight

Aside of playing the 100 Club with ABCM, I was in a band called The Standards and we won the Battle of the Bands in Bristol Locarno. It was a great night, and all of our mates were there!  As a result, we got an interview on BBC Bristol and some studio time. The following year, I was invited back as a judge……. celeb status!

Other highlights…….. playing a CND gig with the Friar Tucks in Bristol……. we had a rubbish drum machine that gave us an electric shock every time we turned it on and off for each song! That’s Rock and Roll!

It’s a real privilege to play the songs of my youth that meant so much to me and my mates.  It’s fantastic that people still want to hear them and if we can give people 1% of the live Jam experience that’s not bad!  We really value the support we get and it means so much!